Have you got that warm and fuzzy feeling, yet? Thanksgiving is just around the corner! From sharing a delicious feast to playing games with all their friends, the Glitter Girls absolutely love Thanksgiving. Also known as Friendsgiving, it’s a time when we come together to celebrate life’s bounty: all the things that make life wonderful!
To thank YOU for your friendship, we’ve made a kids’ gratitude booklet that’s oh-so heartwarming. Print it, grab some crayons, and share it with your kiddo on this wonderful holiday! Packed with coloring and fun little games, this Thanksgiving activity pack is a great way to introduce the power of gratitude while having some good old-fashioned fun.
What is gratitude?
So, what is gratitude, anyway? Gratitude is the feeling of thankfulness and appreciation. It means to be thankful for the good things in life, like friends, family, and sweet treats!
Practicing gratitude means to search for those feelings and acknowledging them. This can be expressed by sharing your gratitude out loud, writing it down, or showing it in your actions.
The Benefits of Gratitude
Gratitude is like a warm hug that leaves your heart smiling. Practicing it every day can not only help to lift your mood, but to train your thoughts into being more positive! Try sprinkling a little gratitude into your child’s routine and watch as it affects their mindset.
Here are some of the many benefits of gratitude for kids:
- Boosts self-esteem
- Helps to regulate moods
- Improves sleep
- Gives a positive outlook
- Improves relationships
- Encourages empathy & kindness
- Increases happiness
- Builds resilience
5 Ways to Practice Gratitude with Kids
5 Ways to Practice Gratitude with Kids
Teaching kids to be appreciative – even from a young age – helps them to sparkle their brightest, so they grow into superstar grown-ups with positive attitudes! Plus, it’s easier than it might sound! There are lots of little things you can do to practice gratitude with your child.
- Model gratitude. Kids learn by example, so make sure you express your appreciations out loud! Get in the habit of sharing happy feelings with your kiddo and mind your Ps and Qs with everyone around you.
- Practice gratitude affirmations. Make a routine of asking your child what they’re grateful for, and try affirmations such as “I am loved,” and “I am thankful for friends and family.” Get as specific as you can. For a more creative approach, check out our positive affirmation craft!
- Visit loved ones. Taking the time to visit friends and family really shows that you care. And if they live far away? Try video calls! Face-to-face connections are a great way to show gratitude, and they’re incredible for mental health.
- Write thank you cards. Who doesn’t love getting a card? Get your kiddo involved in writing thank you notes for teachers, neighbors, and friends – you name it! Holiday greetings and letters can also be a fantastic creative outlet.
- Donate to charity and goodwill. Sharing is caring! Donating to charity feels good. And while giving things away takes only a tiny bit more effort than it does to throw them out, its impact can be huge! These simple activities show kids that you take nothing for granted.
Share With Us
With gratitude, every cloud has a silver lining! We hope you like our Friendsgiving Gratitude Booklet and that it makes your holiday feel even more special. Do you have tips of your own? Tell us how you practice gratitude with your kiddos by tagging @myglittergirls on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok!
Happy Thanksgiving from Glitter Girls
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